Rockies route suggest: Glacier Natl Pk down to Denver

[Top_Speed1]

I'm planning a 2 week venture 7/18-8/2, I will be leading 4 other riders. I have the 1st week completely done w lodging already reserved for my group; the route has loops in the Blackhills, then Chief Joseph through the BigHorns, into east Yellowstone before dipping North for a night in Bozeman. Next day; over to Billings for a 3-day Rally via 212 (Beartooth Hwy).

^So week 1 is set^

<we have 4 (possibly 5) nights to route in>....

From Billings, I want to go NW up into Kalispell MT (Glacier Natl Pk, 1-night) then feather down the Rockies, possibly taking in more Yellowstone to Grand Tetons?. Allotted time is 4-5 nights (for this down the Rockies run), before we need to be in Denver Weds night (7/29), could stretch it to Thursday? (7/30).

*Good M/C roads

*Sites/Views

Mucho pre-thanks for any N/W route experience and suggestions!

-KJ

 

[Spud]

You'll have to map it together but in that general area, here's some suggestions for roads you could tie into a route:

191 from Bozeman to West Yellowstone MT.

The road around the north side of Yellowstone Lake to the highway to Cody WY (Sylvan Pass) is a really nice ride.

If you end of south to see the Tetons, make sure you take the cutoff in Teton Park called "Teton Park Road" that goes past Jenny Lake. That road puts you right under the mountain range.

From Jackson, 22 (Teton Pass) to Victor, ID, then over to Alpine WY, then up the snake river canyon on 26 is a great ride/area to ride.

SW out of Jackson the 191 to Pinedale is good.

Closer to Denver, one of my favorite roads in the world is 191 south from Rock Springs, WY around Flaming Gorge reservoir, to Vernal, UT.

Rangley to Meeker, CO is really good. If you're further north, the Craig / Steamboat Springs area in CO is nice riding too.

Post your proposed route as you get it together. Sounds like an awesome trip you'll have.

 

[Top_Speed1]

Thanks Spud

I've incorporated the ones I could in keeping/arranging places to stay within rea$on.

I'm doing them up on MQ for visuals as I type. I'll post up the routes soon so they can be critiqued.

Again, thank you so much for the tips!!!

 

[Spud]

In a lot of ways, finding the good places is easy--just look for mountains on the maps and the few highways through them. It's joining them together in the vast open desert stretches in between that can make the ride as a whole a lot better. For example, you don't hear a lot about 191 south out of rock springs, but what a great connecter heading to CO. Little to no traffic, pretty country....

 

[Top_Speed1]

In a lot of ways, finding the good places is easy--just look for mountains on the maps and the few highways through them. It's joining them together in the vast open desert stretches in between that can make the ride as a whole a lot better. For example, you don't hear a lot about 191 south out of rock springs, but what a great connecter heading to CO. Little to no traffic, pretty country....

Appreciate those kinda roads very much! Thanks for the 191 teaser

and it's def in!

I've penciled in some stops/lodging that was within reason. Many up there especially around Yellowstone bounce upwards of 200 bills.

So our daily routes take in consideration some more economical lodging, hence not getting in the Snake River ride

.The routes below can be altered (within reason) in keeping within the origin and destination. Even being on the road by 6am, along with some photo-op stops, some of these will be full days I'm sure. Myself and the 2 other riders have RDL's on order for winter '14/15 builds. We also now have another rider who wants in, he's pondering the costs right now ~

1) Sat 7/18 Geneva NY to Joliet IL:

2) Sun 7/19 Joliet IL to Sioux Falls SD:

3) Mon 7/20 Sioux Falls SD to Sturgis SD:

4) Tues 7/21 Sturgis SD to Gillette WY: https://mapq.st/fGjKqj

5) Weds 7/22 Gillette WY to Bozeman MT: https://mapq.st/1Auqhab

6) Thurs 7/23 Bozeman MT to Billings MT: https://mapq.st/1vLMX1i

7) Fri 7/24 Billings MT (MOA)

8) Sat 7/25 Billings MT (MOA)

9) Sun 7/26 Billings MT to Columbia Falls MT: https://mapq.st/1qT6Bg7

10) Mon 7/27 Columbia Falls MT to Rexburg ID: https://mapq.st/1r08wQa

11) Tues 7/28 Rexburg ID to Vernal UT: https://mapq.st/e72lrU

12) Weds 7/29 Vernal UT to Colorado Springs CO: https://mapq.st/13DODEr

13) Thurs 7/30 Colorado Springs to

14) Fri 7/31

15) Sat 8/1

16) Sun 8/2

 

[Spud]

I'll look this over and give you some notes when I have a minute.... Assuming you aren't on dual sports I saw one section you'll need to revise (long stretch of dirt....). Speaking of Vernal....

and you'll come down the infamous switchbacks dropping into town.... more to follow

https://hankstruckforum.com/htforum/index.php?topic=24423.0

 

[wheatonFJR]

How'd you get on the bike with that big bouquet of flowers on it?

 

[TomInPA]

On your 4th day ) Tues 7/21 Sturgis SD to Gillette WY: https://mapq.st/fGjKqj

You missed Hwy 87 AKA Needles Hwy. It is a must do. You can pick it up from the south end after visiting Rushmore and the drive on the corkscrew Hwy 16 Alt. After the Needles Hwy past Sylvan Lake, you can pick up Hwy 16 south again and do the Crazy Horse Memorial site (J).

Also, if you take your Waypoint G and move it to Hill City, you can take Old Hill City Road east to 16 alt. It is a Harley killer for sure with lots of twists across the historic rail. Historic train is in Hill City and you might catch a glimpse of it on your trip.

Looks like a lot of fun, but you have some long days planned that will be difficult with stops for the sights..

 

[bigjohnsd]

I'dsure like to try and ride the Black Hills day with you fellows.

 

[Bugnatr]

KJ, if you have time while in Billings take a ride to the Yellow Tail Dam in Fort Smith. Not just to the visitor center but all the way into the boat launch, I was there for a bonus location during the Wyoming Rally in 08. It's one way in and out but I enjoyed the ride and color of the rocks along the water.

Lots of Indian history and nice riding between Billings and Sheridan, Wy.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I'll look this over and give you some notes when I have a minute.... Assuming you aren't on dual sports I saw one section you'll need to revise (long stretch of dirt....). Speaking of Vernal....
and you'll come down the infamous switchbacks dropping into town.... more to follow

https://hankstruckforum.com/htforum/index.php?topic=24423.0

Holy crap, a pink Dino. Well, this is a must stop photo op! We sure don't have those critters in New Yankee.

Waiting with abated breath on your critique, and I'll surely want to detour away from any dirtholes. I', going to owe you lotz of beers!!!

On your 4th day ) Tues 7/21 Sturgis SD to Gillette WY: https://mapq.st/fGjKqjYou missed Hwy 87 AKA Needles Hwy. It is a must do. You can pick it up from the south end after visiting Rushmore and the drive on the corkscrew Hwy 16 Alt. After the Needles Hwy past Sylvan Lake, you can pick up Hwy 16 south again and do the Crazy Horse Memorial site (J).

Also, if you take your Waypoint G and move it to Hill City, you can take Old Hill City Road east to 16 alt. It is a Harley killer for sure with lots of twists across the historic rail. Historic train is in Hill City and you might catch a glimpse of it on your trip.

Looks like a lot of fun, but you have some long days planned that will be difficult with stops for the sights..

Thanks buddy, will work on it. I'm going by you guys on this one, so if you want to terminate me in a nuclear dump? ...now would be the time to do this!

I'dsure like to try and ride the Black Hills day with you fellows.

John, we would love to have a local expert along. Our hotels are listed on those links (within the maps). See if we can meet up at one? The other 2 guys (1 from VT, 1 from NJ) are ex cops and DEA agents. They are as normal (if you call me that? lol) as I am, they just wanna ride (and 10 or so above the limit is fine with them!) and see some awesome sites to tell our grandchildren about. And, those other 2 guys already have grandkids so we need to start making memories!

I see my buddy Doug chimed in while I was a typing... I'm on this Bug.. if I can fit 'er in that is!

 

[Spud]

OK--here we go.

Day 5: Gillette to Bozeman. 490 miles. That's a doable day, but you'll need an early start and to keep after it. The ride up over the Bighorns from Sheridan is a real gem--fantastic road, awesome climb right up and over. You can haul the mail from the bottom over to Cody. From Cody west it's a great road, you go through a tunnel at Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The road winds along the river and is really nice. Getting closer to Yellowstone though, you'll get caught up in traffic guaranteed. You'll then be averaging 35mph or less all the way to West Yellowstone. So that's where you'll lose time, plus stops you'll want to take. The road over Sylvan pass and around Yellowstone lake is awesome, but there's park traffic. The 191 up to Bozeman is sweet and you can keep a better pace.

Day 6--good route, if you have time, consider detouring out and back on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (HWY 296) at the bottom of the beartooth pass. The ride up Dead Indian Pass is spectacular. Or maybe you'll do that from Billings if you're there two days... Beartooth will blow your mind--hit the "top of the world store" for a souvenir (you can't miss it).

Day 10: You've got 460 miles to Rexburg. If I were doing it, I'd go a different route: Straight south to Missoula, then HWY 93 all the way to Challis, ID. That takes you over Lost Trail Pass and lets you follow the Salmon River for a long way--and the road along there is excellent with little traffic. Then Challis to Arco, you'll ride past Mt. Borah, Idaho's highest, then it's a burn across the desert from Arco to Rexburg. 480 miles, with some places to make great time. There's nothing wrong with the route you have either, but the salmon river canyon is pretty awesome. Here's a pic of 93 near Salmon I took this fall. The lack of traffic on parts of this route will blow your mind....

Day 11: Rexburg to Vernal: That road east heading to Yellowstone/Teton is dirt (Grassy Lake Reservoir Road).

If you want to work in Teton Park that day you'd probably need to go Rexburg to Driggs, ID, to Victor ID, over Teton Pass to Jackson. Then North to see the Tetons, then back south heading to Vernal. I get 435 miles if you put in Jackson Lake Lodge as your turn around...

Day 12 Vernal to CO Springs. Hell yeah that will be a fun one. You'll cruise across the desert then WAY up over Independence Pass. I love that NW corner of CO, there's no one there and Rangley to Rifle is one sweet stretch of western riding heaven....

Keep us posted. Are tag-alongs welcome? Maybe I'll hop in somewhere.

 

[Top_Speed1]

On your 4th day ) Tues 7/21 Sturgis SD to Gillette WY: https://mapq.st/fGjKqjYou missed Hwy 87 AKA Needles Hwy. It is a must do. You can pick it up from the south end after visiting Rushmore and the drive on the corkscrew Hwy 16 Alt. After the Needles Hwy past Sylvan Lake, you can pick up Hwy 16 south again and do the Crazy Horse Memorial site (J).

Also, if you take your Waypoint G and move it to Hill City, you can take Old Hill City Road east to 16 alt. It is a Harley killer for sure with lots of twists across the historic rail. Historic train is in Hill City and you might catch a glimpse of it on your trip.

Looks like a lot of fun, but you have some long days planned that will be difficult with stops for the sights..

Tom, I think I got it altered as ^ you said: https://mapq.st/1CdfeX6

Great ideas, it did add some more time to the loop, looks like just another FULL day with a 6am start!

Thanks Buddy!, working on Spuds revisions....

 

[Top_Speed1]

OK--here we go.
Day 5: Gillette to Bozeman. 490 miles. That's a doable day, but you'll need an early start and to keep after it. The ride up over the Bighorns from Sheridan is a real gem--fantastic road, awesome climb right up and over. You can haul the mail from the bottom over to Cody. From Cody west it's a great road, you go through a tunnel at Buffalo Bill Reservoir. The road winds along the river and is really nice. Getting closer to Yellowstone though, you'll get caught up in traffic guaranteed. You'll then be averaging 35mph or less all the way to West Yellowstone. So that's where you'll lose time, plus stops you'll want to take. The road over Sylvan pass and around Yellowstone lake is awesome, but there's park traffic. The 191 up to Bozeman is sweet and you can keep a better pace.

Day 6--good route, if you have time, consider detouring out and back on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (HWY 296) at the bottom of the beartooth pass. The ride up Dead Indian Pass is spectacular. Or maybe you'll do that from Billings if you're there two days... Beartooth will blow your mind--hit the "top of the world store" for a souvenir (you can't miss it).

Day 10: You've got 460 miles to Rexburg. If I were doing it, I'd go a different route: Straight south to Missoula, then HWY 93 all the way to Challis, ID. That takes you over Lost Trail Pass and lets you follow the Salmon River for a long way--and the road along there is excellent with little traffic. Then Challis to Arco, you'll ride past Mt. Borah, Idaho's highest, then it's a burn across the desert from Arco to Rexburg. 480 miles, with some places to make great time. There's nothing wrong with the route you have either, but the salmon river canyon is pretty awesome. Here's a pic of 93 near Salmon I took this fall. The lack of traffic on parts of this route will blow your mind....

Day 11: Rexburg to Vernal: That road east heading to Yellowstone/Teton is dirt (Grassy Lake Reservoir Road).

If you want to work in Teton Park that day you'd probably need to go Rexburg to Driggs, ID, to Victor ID, over Teton Pass to Jackson. Then North to see the Tetons, then back south heading to Vernal. I get 435 miles if you put in Jackson Lake Lodge as your turn around...

Day 12 Vernal to CO Springs. Hell yeah that will be a fun one. You'll cruise across the desert then WAY up over Independence Pass. I love that NW corner of CO, there's no one there and Rangley to Rifle is one sweet stretch of western riding heaven....

Keep us posted. Are tag-alongs welcome? Maybe I'll hop in somewhere.

You're killing me with those awesome pics, I like wanna leave for this trip tomorrow!

....So I corrected the routes as you suggested (I believe? verbal to map sometimes gets a twist here or there). If somethings fubar'd, I still have some eraser left on my pencil. I'm totally going by you on this (as this is your stomp'n grounds!), and, you sure sound confident ...and I likey that!

? Not sure if I went up North enough into the Tetons. You said Jackson Lake Lodge, couldn't find that (or maybe I didn't zoom in enough?). Of course Jackson Lake is the big one right above Jenny Lake which I WP'd the close road that touches Jenny.

I already have some Chief Jo and Beartooth in the prior days. If those need to be altered also, no biggie especially if it shortens up our ride day, well, as you know... our days are pretty full, especially when considering photo-op stops. We know we'll have to be KSU at like 6am for most of these days. A shorter route day (sleep-in) may be like a luxurious KSU of 7am!. Our goal mainly is the miles and smiles and memories to go along with it. Getting up early to accomplish this, is all a common thought amongst this group.

Spud, absolutely a tag along would be welcomed!. And, especially from you with all your help!. (US fella's owe you nightly beers on us!). You know we need to cover some ground. I'm not saying we ride white knuckle, but ~10 over the limit is our norm with some throttle twists here n there. Hey, If we can almost do some WOT, my 2 (ex) cop buddies I know like a refreshing triple digit now and then. I don't think there NJ & VT badges will do us any good either

...oh, and they drink at the end of the day as well. First thing they want when we land at the motel... shower and where's the beer store. Hopefully we will get some walking distance restaurants nightly as well. So the dates are in the itinerary, start some planning and join in! (I usually lead, but if you join in, your turf... so we'll have you take it!).

I just gotta watch my speeding tix. I have a CDL and NYS says one more (for me) and my CDL gets lifted for a 1-year period. I think I have a little more than 1 year left on this probation. I guess I would still keep my class 5 and MC endorsement. Not sure, don't wanna test it out either!

After all routes/days gets down pat. I'll make them into Bascamp to.gpx. The googlemaps/mapQ just makes it easy to share w their public links

Itinerary as it stands to this writing 12.20.14 (Destinations are pretty much set; as I have done a lot of work in finding the affordable lodging, these towns/destinations fit that bill w some of the nights under $50 bananas.

1) Sat 7/18 Geneva NY to Joliet IL: https://mapq.st/1sGCxQo

2) Sun 7/19 Joliet IL to Sioux Falls SD: https://mapq.st/1H3EKw0

3) Mon 7/20 Sioux Falls SD to Sturgis SD: https://mapq.st/gONMOR

4) Tues 7/21 Sturgis SD to Gillette WY: https://mapq.st/1AEWVGp

5) Weds 7/22 Gillette WY to Bozeman MT: https://mapq.st/1Auqhab

6) Thurs 7/23 Bozeman MT to Billings MT: https://mapq.st/1vLMX1i

7) Fri 7/24 Billings MT (MOA)

8) Sat 7/25 Billings MT (MOA)

9) Sun 7/26 Billings MT to Columbia Falls MT: https://mapq.st/1qT6Bg7

10) Mon 7/27 Columbia Falls MT to Rexburg ID: https://mapq.st/1zgspWa

11) Tues 7/28 Rexburg ID to Vernal UT: https://mapq.st/1GDQMhk

12) Weds 7/29 Vernal UT to Colorado Springs CO: https://mapq.st/13DODEr

13) Thurs 7/30 Colorado Springs to North Platte NE: https://mapq.st/1wWWXJc

14) Fri 7/31 North Platte NE to Iowa City IA: https://mapq.st/ewSE3Y

15) Sat 8/1 Iowa City IA to Cleveland: https://mapq.st/1JsPGaz

16) Sun 8/2 Ride home routes from Cleveland

 

[SacramentoMike]

I'dsure like to try and ride the Black Hills day with you fellows.

KJ, you should make sure that happens. John can show you some wicked cool roads. He can also show you Sturgis. Better yet, he can probably show you a route around Sturgis.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Hey KJ...where are you planning to stay, in Cleveland?

 

[zzzzip]

Don't forget you'll eventually be on Mountain time, so 6am with feel more like 8am back home.

 

[Denver_FJR]

We did a car trip from Denver to Glacier several years ago and I'll throw out a gem we came across. We also attempted to stay overnight in Billings, Mt, but got there late and had a hard time finding a room (Saturday night and guessing this was due to folks heading in/out of Yellowstone). We ended up heading down the road to Big Timber and stayed at The Grand Hotel. If you're looking for a change from the common Holiday Inn/Super 8 accommodations and something with some history and atmosphere, I recommend it. Oh yeah, nice bar too.

 

[TomInPA]

Watch going through the towns of Lovell and Byron WY after crossing Bighorn Pass. They operate well-known speed traps and the local police drive pickup trucks that you might not immediately register as police vehicles. They flourish on the Yellowstone tourist traffic. 14A out of Dayton is peg scraping bliss. Beautiful red pavement with perfect radius switchbacks.